Stu was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on October 11th, 1935, to Suttle and Ussa Wheeler. He graduated from Bagley High School in 1953 and married Virginia Kindle on March 24th, 1955. Throughout his life, Stu was an industrious and hard worker, always providing for his family. As a young man, he served in the Army and later worked for the Fuller Brush Company, Cain’s Coffee, in insurance sales, and property management.
Stu was a generous man and had a soft heart for children in need. He was resourceful and inquisitive, a tenacious problem-solver, and a lifelong learner. He enjoyed playing cards, traveling, and spending time with his growing family. On his 87th birthday, Stu was asked what he was most proud of in his life. Without hesitation, he answered, “My family.”
Stu is survived by his wife, Virginia (née Kindle); his children, Tony Wheeler (Mary), Joni Blackman (John), Debi Wheeler Lowers, and Penny Blackard (Ed); his sister, LaRue Bevel (Glen); his ten grandchildren, Brandon Wheeler (Maggie), Becky Ardle (Randy), Lyndsey Derkatch (Chris), Schyler Blackman, Tanner Blackman (Brittany), Bryan Allen, Brett Allen (Megan), Shelby Allen (Jack Srail), Emily Frazier (Clayton), and Nicholas Blackard; twelve great-grandchildren, Ivey, Emery, Kash, and Gable Wheeler, Molly (Jacob Brown), Josh (Abby), and Bella Ardle, Lily and Elijah Derkatch, Lennon and Brooks Allen, and Rowan Frazier; and one great-great-grandson, Sawyer Ardle. Stu is preceded in death by his parents, Suttle and Ussa Wheeler, his sister, Christine Clopton, and his brother, Leslie Jones.
Private services will be held on Monday, September 16th. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to CASA of Cherokee County (cherokeecasa.org)
